Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Quantum mechanics and information

Einstein hated the randomness of quantum mechanical systems. Now comes an approach that may imply that any theory that explains the fundamental properties of the Universe must be quantized and based on randomness.

Because there is a finest grain to information there has to be a finest grain to our experience of nature. This is why electrons are restricted to fixed energy levels in atoms, why light comes in pieces we call photons, and perhaps, ultimately, why the Universe seems to be made out of discrete particles.

Deep stuff. Would love to learn more, but until then, shall just marvel at a Universe that can behave in such a bizarre, yet logical way.